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The 2014 UCI Downhill MTB World Cup season kicks off this weekend (11th & 12th April) on home soil at the Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg. We caught up with one of SA’s fastest, Andrew Neethling to get his thoughts on the opening round, his goals for this race and the season, and more.
Full name: Andrew Neethling
Nickname: Needles
Age: 29
Hometown: Somerset West
Years Racing Downhill: Professionally 11 years
Machine of Choice: Giant Glory
Sponsors: Giant factory Off-Road Team, Rockstar Energy Drink, 100 Percent Goggles, Leatt Brace, Fox Head MTB, Sram.
“I want to be up there week in week out. Consistent and knocking on the podium door or get that first win”
What are your thoughts on the opening round of the 2014 Wold cup being in your home country and what advantages does this have for you?
I am excited to get the season going and it’s even better to have it in my home country. It is great to have the fans really behind you! It pushes you on.
What have you been up to during the off season?
Bit of this bit of that. Trained really hard to prepare for the season and PMB. Enjoyed a nice break before that. Worked on the golf game, hung out with my friends and family
What has your training schedule during the off season consisted of?
What has it not consisted really. I have a great program put together by Alan Milway. Gym, Road , XC, lots of DH, Motocross, Swimming.
Have you changed anything up from previous years leading into the season?
I have probably ridden more DH which has been fun. I always focus hard on my training so I guess just training smarter.
How do you think the new changes to the PMB World Cup Downhill Track are going to affect it?
We shall soon see what the changes are. I think you still have to carry good speed so should suit me well.
What are you looking forward to most at this World Cup and the 2014 season?
Enjoying the ride! I really want to take in what a cool opportunity this is to be racing all over the world.
What are you goals for the 2014 season?
I want to be up there week in week out. Consistent and knocking on the podium door or get that first win!
Who do you think is going to be your main competition this year?
The usuals – Gwin, Greg, Gee, Stevie but there are tons of youngsters that will be up there.
Where are you aiming on finishing at this opening round of the World Cup?
A podium is always the goal.
How would you compare the PMB Downhill track to other international tracks?
It is a fast fun track but has that long pedal in the middle so it makes it really tough to race. Other tracks are more gravity fed and more technical.
What goes through your mind when you are in the starting gate?
Focusing on the first few turns and being in the present.
And when you are on course?
Hopefully nothing but getting down as quick as I can. The best runs are automatic
What is the best part of riding and racing a downhill bike?
The feeling of knowing you are pushing to your limits. It is a great feeling knowing you are just on the limit.
Photos by Jacob Gibbons
